Loses tight game against Colorado Mesa
After the long-awaited return, football is finally back at TAMUK. The Javelinas opened their 2024 season at home against Colorado Mesa, dropping a close 16-13 game.
To kick things off, the Javelinas started on offense and proceeded to drive down the field and on a third-and-five quarterback Kannon Williams would find running back Roger Hagan who would score. With a Gilbert Garza extra point the team found themselves up 7-0 early on.
On the ensuing drive, Colorado Mesa would have a scoring drive of their own and would successfully attempt a two-point conversion to give them an 8-7 lead over the Javelinas. An interception by Keion Thomas would allow the offense to take the field and get into field goal range and Garza would successfully attempt a 32-yard field goal to give the Javelinas a 10-8 lead.
The Javelina defense would then step up and not allow Colorado Mesa to score. One defender in particular was defensive back Rayden Campbell who, on a fourth and 11, picked off a pass from Leslie Richardson. The score however would remain the same as the game headed into halftime.
In the second half, both defenses refused to give up any ground until the Javelina offense began to gain some traction and drove into field goal range and Garza would successfully kick a 40-yard field goal to increase their lead 13-8. Unfortunately, Colorado Mesa would get the upper hand, as their defense stifled the Javelina offense for the remainder of the game which caused the Javelina defense to be on the field for longer periods of time.
Colorado Mesa’s offense put together a scoring drive along with a successful two-point conversion late in the fourth to take the lead 16-13, which would be the final score of the game. The Javelinas did have two touchdowns called back by officials during the game.
“We just need to concentrate on being able to finish and play clean,” Head Coach Mike Salinas said after the game. Coach Salinas touched on the miscues of the team.
“You look at some of the ball game tonight I think we missed three field goals and missed some opportunities in the red zone to score,” Salinas added.
On the defensive side of the ball, there will be more work put in by the team.
“We need to lock in and run to the ball more and execute and take advantage of the opportunities given to us,” defensive end Demarcus Hendricks said.
The Javelinas head into an early bye week before they hit the road to take on Mississippi College on Sept. 14.
